Colour of love

Pink and gold salwar with a pink rose in her hair. Bangles to match and her signature jumkas. Siddarth knew his sister loved her earrings but to see her all dressed up for a simple dinner was something he was not used to. There was a certain glow about her. Not a girl to love make up other than dark khol for her eyes and occasional lipstick, Nandhini had a natural blush today.

They were close enough for him to know someone must be the reason for this change in his sister. Whether or not their parents had a sixth sense for their offspring, the siblings didn't have to speak to communicate.

Seated next to Nadhini, Siddarth leaned over and asked her, " So?"

She avoiding his questioning gaze, just smiled. She was dying to just blabber everything right there and then, but no way with her parents around. She did have a close bond with her mother but she wasn't ready to share with her just yet. Amma would just get all excited, like any typical Indian mum and start planning her wedding.

They were at a Chinese Seafood restaurant. It was a place where they were regular faces. The restaurant owner knew her dad and many special occasions were celebrated there. They ordered the usual dishes and over dinner had a good conversation.

Siddharth was always back home late from work and Dad worked shifts. This was a good time to catch up, just like old times, where dinner was a time to discuss the day's events.

Nandhini's phone beeped.

'So?'

She texted her reply. 'Yes, I met someone. Need Advice. Talk later.'

Siddharth grinned at her. This conversation will have to wait. It was her brother's special day and precious family time.

Best Brother Ever

On the way home, Nadhini could not help replaying the incident at the restaurant. She had this sheepish grin on her face the entire time - throughout the conversation with Etienne and now in the bus. People must think she was silly.

They had talked over tea, completely oblivious to their surroundings and the people. Although her intention was to stay only till the rain stopped, she had lost track of time. How could she not? She was lost in his eyes. There was something about his eyes. The way they looked right into her soul. unlike the men who stared at her chest, Etienne paid close attention to her every word and his eyes never left hers. They only stopped their conversation because he had to attend a play which he had already bought tickets for. They agreed to meet up again over the coming weekend. Exchanging numbers, she reluctantly said goodbye. He even kissed her on her hand - like a princess.

The phone interrupted her thoughts. It was her brother. She almost forgot. It was his birthday the next day. He was calling to ask her if the reservation had been made for dinner. Nandhini could not wait to share this piece of news with him.

Siddarth was the best brother ever. He was her listening ear, her best buddy from the time they were little kids. They shared lots of secrets, went through good and bad times together. he was always there for her. She was so excited about Etienne, she needed his advice so she doesn't ruin this chance of getting to know this beautiful stranger. Is it possible to fall in love at first sight? Is it possible to get this excited over someone you just met? Nandhini had been single all her life. At 24, she now felt like an excited 16 year old.

Where is this heading? Something told her that she was going to see more of Etienne.

"Etienne," she whispered the name to herself, and a tingly sensation ran through her as she continued her journey with that same old goofy smile.